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February 24, 2021
2021-0414

Becerra nomination hearing held in Senate HELP Committee

On February 23, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held the first nomination hearing for President Biden's pick for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Xavier Becerra. The Senate Finance Committee will follow with a hearing on Wednesday and a vote on sending his nomination to the floor. Becerra and Democrats highlighted his long track record in the House of Representatives working on health care issues such as the creation of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as his record as California Attorney General fighting for patients and holding the health care industry accountable. Republicans voiced their concern over Becerra's lack of health care-specific experience, proposals they view as government overreach, and support for pro-choice policies, among other items. Becerra said he will work with Congress to "strengthen our Medicare and Medicaid lifelines, reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and ensure we are accountable, spending resources wisely and effectively." He committed to working closely with state and local partners and across government to combat the coronavirus pandemic, voiced strong support for ensuring equity across the health care system, and expressed support for a variety of other priority items including expanded access to telehealth, increased access to mental health care, bolstering of the health care work force, and more.

Additional details can be found in the attached Tax Alert.

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Contact Information
For additional information concerning this Alert, please contact:
 
Washington Council Ernst & Young
   • Heather Meade (heather.meade@ey.com)
   • Laura Dillon (laura.dillon@ey.com)

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ATTACHMENT

Becerra Nomination Hearing

 

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